by Christin Brown | September 23, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Sept. 23, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today stood with advocates and fellow state lawmakers as they called for immediate action to expand Pennsylvania’s hate crimes statute to include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered citizens.
“We cannot sit idly as people attack our relatives and neighbors because they disagree with their sexual orientation,” Tartaglione said. “Too many people are being attacked and/or killed because of these hate crimes. We must do more. We need to bring them under this protective umbrella.”
The General Assembly’s Equality Caucus, Equality PA and many advocates rallied in the Capitol this morning to urge the adoption of Senate Bill 42 and House Bill 177 and expand the state’s hate crimes law.
Specifically, the legislation would extend Title 18 language under the ethnic intimidation clause of Chapter 27 to include ancestry, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.
“We urged the adoption of these bills today because we are outraged by the Sept. 11 attack in Philly of two gay men,” Tartaglione said. “But we are as equally outraged by all of the hateful attacks against the LGBT community, and we can no longer just talk about doing something.
“We need the Republican-controlled committees that are holding SB 42 and HB 177 to bring them up for a vote, move them to their respective floors, and finally deliver.”
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by Christin Brown | September 18, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 18, 2014 – Hundreds of 2nd Senatorial District residents learned about beneficial services and vital information today during the second of state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione’s three senior expos.
Attendees also had the opportunity to have free vision, blood pressure and prescription drug screenings and reviews during the event, which was held at the Philadelphia Protestant Home.
“So many services exist in Pennsylvania that can dramatically improve the golden years for our older relatives and neighbors,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Bringing so many organizations together in one place shows how dramatic the breadth of public support really is.
“I’ve planned three senior expos this year because I want everyone in my district who is older than 50 to know that help is available.”
Tartaglione’s first expo happened Sept. 11 at the Mayfair Community Center on St. Vincent Street. Her next expo, set for Oct. 16, will take place at Community Academy of Philadelphia Charter School, 1100 E. Erie Ave.
People who attended today’s event received free tote bags and boxed lunches.
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Editor’s Note: The following vendors attended Sen. Tartaglione’s senior expo:
AARP: Medicare Supplement
AARP: Pennsylvania
Aetna Better Health CHIP
Always Best Care Senior Services
Associated Services for the Blind & Visually Impaired
BenePhilly
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Cigna-Health Spring (Bravo)
Coalition Against Hunger
Delaware Valley Cremation Service
Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
Dr. Donna Skerry
Ema Care Pharmacy
Eye Care Vision
Foot Comfort Center
Gateway Health Plan
Gateway Funding
Golden Times
Greater Philadelphia Health Action Inc.
Health Partners Plans
Heron Companions
Independence Blue Cross
Independence CHIP
Isabelle Neris Consultant
Jewish Relief Agency
Keystone VIP Choice
Legal Clinic For the Disabled
Marilyn Burstin
Mental Health Association of SEPA-Successful Aging Taskforce
Nazareth Hospital
New Courtland
PA Attorney General Bureau of Consumer Protection
PA Housing Finance Agency
PA Initiative on Assistive Technology (PIAT)
PA Office of Consumer Advocate
PA Public Utility Commission
PA State Police
PACE
PECO Smart Ideas
Peter Bressi Northeast Senior Center
PhilAbundance
Philadelphia Police Department: 2nd District
Philadelphia City Commissioners Office
Philadelphia City Controller
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging
Philadelphia Fire Department (SAPFA)
Philadelphia Gas Works
Philadelphia Police Department Special Victis Unit
Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office
Philadelphia Streets Department:Traffic
Philadelphia Water Revenue
Philadelphia Water Department
Register of Wills
Rhawnhurst NORC
Rite Aid
Senior Care Max
State Representative Cohen
Tax Consultant Financial Services
Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS)
Temple Ready Care
Temple University School of Pharmacy
Washington Savings Bank
by Christin Brown | September 9, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 9, 2014 – Fire Departments, volunteer ambulance companies and rescue squads needing financial assistance to buy equipment, make renovations or repairs to their facilities or train new members should act soon to apply for a state grant, Sen. Christine Tartaglione said today.
Pennsylvania’s “Fire Company, Volunteer Ambulance Service Grant Program” is accepting applications until Oct. 17.
“Emergency responders who dedicate their lives to protecting the lives of others can take steps to improve their services by applying for this state grant,” Tartaglione said. “With better facilities, new equipment and added training, our first responders can help to save more lives and protect more property.”
All fire departments, volunteer fire companies and volunteer rescue companies are eligible for grants of between $2,500 and $15,000. Volunteer ambulance services can receive between $2,500 and $10,000, according to the Office of the State Fire Commissioner.
Grants may be used to help pay to build or renovate facilities; buy or fix items that are “necessary to maintain or improve the capability of the company to provide fire, ambulance and rescue services;” buy or repair equipment; reduce debt; and train and certify members.
The application and requirements of the grant program are available on the fire commissioner’s website.
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by Christin Brown | August 21, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 21, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione visited Wissinoming Park today to continue her picnic series with constituents, hand out free backpacks and school supplies to children, and experience the chilly pour of a bucket of ice to benefit the ALS Foundation.
“It’s good to be back at Wissinoming Park,” Tartaglione said. “New friendships sparked today; children received some great, free school supplies that were donated by the community and local businesses; and we all enjoyed some good food.
“Doing the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge was a chilling surprise, but it was an exhilarating experience – one I will never forget – and I’m glad to be a part of a national movement to help end a dastardly disease,” she said as she challenged Sens. Mike Stack, Vince Hughes and Anthony Hardy Williams to step up to the ALS plate.
Since its impromptu start last month, the Ice Bucket Challenge has generated about $42 million, according to the ALS Foundation. Compared to fundraising efforts during the same time in 2013, that’s 20 times more money raised.
ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death. And, when the motor neurons die, the brain loses its ability to initiate and control muscle movement. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.
Today’s picnic at Wissinoming Park was the third district-wide event organized by Sen. Tartaglione. She picnicked with families and constituents at Burholme Park last week and Norris Square Park on Aug. 7.
The school supplies handed out to children were donated and collected from businesses and residents during Sen. Tartaglione’s recent “Stuff the Bus” event.
“My sincerest thank you to the businesses and individuals who helped to make these community picnics happen,” the senator said. “We do this because it’s important to know who we are as a neighborhood. We share common interests and we want our children to learn and succeed.
“We also want to send ALS to the annals of medicinal history, and we hope our Ice Bucket Challenge moved us closer to that, too,” she said.
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Editor’s Note: The following businesses contributed to Sen. Tartaglione’s picnic:
Always Best Care Senior Services
Aramingo Soprite
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Concilio
Esperanza
Forman Mills
Health Partners
Impacto Latino
JL Entertainment LLC
Kensington EPIC Stakeholders
Keystone First
La Fortaleza
Mayfair Shop N Bag
MIMIC
Nazareth Hospital
PECO Solutions
PGW
Philadelphia Federal Credit Union
Philadelphia 2nd Police District
Philadelphia 15th Police District
Philadelphia Police 26th District
Philadelphia Pharmacy
West Kensington Ministries
by Christin Brown | August 14, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 12, 2014 – Hundreds of children are preparing to go back to school with the supplies they need, and communities in the 2nd Senatorial District are enjoying some summer fun with the latest picnic sponsored by state Sen. Christine Tartaglione.
The senator and her staff visited historic Burholme Park today and handed out free backpacks and school supplies to hundreds of children. The supplies were donated and collected from businesses and residents during Sen. Tartaglione’s recent “Stuff the Bus” event.
“Philadelphia’s school children are smart, passionate and they want to learn,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Most people know about the financial struggles of the school district and how Republicans in Harrisburg have used them as political pawns.
“These picnics are important ways to give back to the children and make sure they have the things they need for their return to the classroom so they can succeed academically,” she said.
Tartaglione’s first community picnic last week at Norris Square Park delivered 600 backpacks and school supplies plus free snacks and drinks.
Today’s visit to Burholme Park is the first one for the senator as the 85 acres between Cottman and Central avenues was located outside of her district prior to the legislature’s redrawing of senatorial boundaries.
Sen. Tartaglione is scheduled to visit Wissinoming Park on Frankford Avenue next Thursday, Aug. 21.
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Editor’s Note: The following businesses contributed to Sen. Tartaglione’s picnic:
Always Best Care Senior Services
Forman Mills
Keystone First
Aramingo Soprite
Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Concilio
Esperanza
Health Partners
Impacto Latino
JL Entertainment LLC
Kensington EPIC Stakeholders
La Fortaleza
Mayfair Shop N Bag
MIMIC
Nazareth Hospital
PECO Solutions
PGW
Philadelphia Pharmacy
Philadelphia Police 26th District
West Kensington Ministries
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by Christin Brown | August 12, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 12, 2014 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione today said time is running out for property owners to shave hundreds from their annual tax bills through Pennsylvania’s Homestead Exemption.
The deadline to apply for the exemption is Sept. 13.
“Applying for a Homestead Tax Exemption could shave more than $400 from an annual bill if the taxable value of a home is reduced by $30,000,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
There are no age or income requirements for the Homestead Exemption, and even people who are tax delinquent can apply.
To apply:
- Call or visit one of Sen. Tartaglione’s district offices, 1061 Bridge St. (215-533-0440) or 127 Susquehanna Ave. (215-291-4653), Philadelphia.
- Call the Homestead Hotline, 215-686-9200
- Visit www.phila.gov/opa
- Download and mail the paper application from the website
Tartaglione said approved applicants will have the credit applied to their 2015 property tax bill. If property owners have already applied, they do not need to re-apply.
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by Christin Brown | June 30, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, June 30, 2014 – Because of its failure to help school children in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania, because it deprives veterans and 500,000 residents of much needed health care insurance, and because it requires hocus pocus to make the numbers work, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione said tonight she voted “no” on the $29.1 billion Corbett budget.
“This is the fourth year in a row that the governor has attempted to balance Pennsylvania’s budget on the backs of school children, teachers, social safety net participants, and neighborhoods,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “It will probably be the fourth year in a row that he fails to finish the fiscal year in the black.
“This new spending plan’s reliance on hoping, praying and pulling rabbits out of Republican hats is overwhelming, and is not good policy.
“Pennsylvania taxpayers must hold on, because the fear is the commonwealth’s economy will be worse this time next year. Some think we could be trying to figure out how to pay for a $2.5 billion deficit.
“The governor owns this budget and its $1.5 billion-plus revenue deficit. It is not Gov. Ed Rendell’s fault and he can’t pin this spending plan on the president,” the senator said. “Gov. Corbett is responsible, and he is accountable for this budget fiasco.”
Tartaglione said the governor must yield and finally agree to expand Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program. Failing to do this, she said, is keeping 500,000 state’s residents and 23,000 veterans from being covered with health care insurance.
The new budget strips money from job creation and redevelopment programs, things Tartaglione said are vital in the state’s feeble efforts to generate new jobs.
Specifically, the senator said the governor’s budget deletes half of the Pennsylvania First line, which delivers opportunity grants, customized job training, and industrial sites investments; takes away nearly 50 percent from Keystone Communities programs like Main Street, Elm Street, and housing funds; and it mutes funds that are set aside to attract new businesses.
“The Republicans will trumpet the $300 million added to education in this budget. The truth is that schools have been woefully underfunded during the governor’s term and they have a long way to go to fund stability,” Tartaglione said. “This is especially true in the School District of Philadelphia where the politics of the past week have threatened to annihilate Philly’s school children.
“Once again, because there is a lack of leadership from the governor and an inability to take responsibility for poor budget decisions, school students, teachers, counselors and school nurses will bear the burden of this spending plan,” Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | June 27, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, June 27, 2014 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione today voted in favor of a proposal to legalize the use of medical cannabis in Pennsylvania.
The Senate Law and Justice Committee, of which Sen. Tartaglione is a member, approved an amended Senate Bill 1182 this afternoon.
“Too many children who suffer countless seizures, too many adults with glaucoma, and too many people with chronic illnesses have suffered for too long in Pennsylvania,” Tartaglione said following the committee’s vote. “I am proud to have been able to help send this long overdue proposal to the Senate for its consideration.
“Medical marijuana, once it is finally legalized, will deliver much needed relief for Pennsylvanians who need it,” she said.
SB 1182 now looks to incorporate best practices from other states that allow medical cannabis. Medical uses in PA would include using extracted oil, edible products, ointments, tinctures, and vaporized medical cannabis.
Patients who want to buy medical cannabis would be required to get an access card from the state Department of Health. The access card would only be awarded after the department validates that an individual has a practitioner-patient relationship, and has written confirmation of a qualified medical condition that can be treated with medical cannabis.
Access cards will cost patients $100, and patients must be Pennsylvania residents.
The bill would also create an eleven-member State Board of Medical Cannabis Licensing under the Department of State, which would oversee all regulations of the cannabis industry, investigate applicants for licenses and occupation permits, and all powers to deny, revoke, or suspend a license.
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by Christin Brown | June 17, 2014 | News Releases
‘Roberto Clemente Way’ Heading to Philly, Sen. Tartaglione Reports
HARRISBURG, June 17, 2014 – A hero to millions of baseball fans and Latinos, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione said today she is pleased the Pennsylvania Senate has approved a bill to make a section of West Erie Avenue in Philly, “Roberto Clemente Way.”
Clemente played Major League baseball for 18 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He died on Dec. 31, 1972, while flying to Nicaragua with relief supplies for earthquake victims.
“Roberto Clemente transcended the black and gold baseball uniform he wore for the Pirates,” Tartaglione said following the Senate’s unanimous approval today of House Bill 1831. “He was loved – and continues to be loved, admired and held up as an example of what it means to be a compassionate human being; even where baseball fans root for the Phillies.”
Congress posthumously awarded Clemente its Congressional Gold Medal in 1973, the same year he became the first Latin-born baseball player to be elected to the baseball Hall of Fame.
During his baseball career, Clemente won 12 consecutive golden gloves and won four batting crowns. Despite his success on the field, his top salary as a ball player came in his last year with the Pirates: $150,000.
The Pirate great was flying to Nicaragua to make sure the clothing, food and medical supplies he was delivering were not stolen like previous shipments.
“Roberto Clemente Way will serve as a proud reminder of a man many people still respect and want to be like. We should be as humbled as he would have been on this day. To have his presence in this great neighborhood is a wonderful thing,” Tartaglione said.
Roberto Clemente Way will stretch from North Second Street in Philadelphia to North Front Street.
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by Christin Brown | June 10, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, June 10, 2014 – With hundreds of union workers filling the Capitol Rotunda today, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione applauded the apprentice program operated by the Pennsylvania State Building & Construction Trades Council and urged students and others to participate.
In the next 20 years, Sen. Tartaglione said Pennsylvania’s construction industry will need about 50,000 new workers to replace the men and women who today are masons, electricians, glaziers, pipe layers and roofers.
“The people who will make up that new workforce are right here,” Tartaglione said during a rally held by the council. “They are the apprentices, the coordinators, the constructors and members of the building trades unions that are gathered here today.
“Union apprenticeship programs lead to good-paying, long-lasting, successful career in the construction industry where there is a high demand for skilled workers now and in the future.”
There are about 7,000 construction apprentices registered in Pennsylvania today and 82 percent of them, or 6,570, are unionized construction apprentices, officials said.
“Without new workers to fill openings in the industry, we will not be able to continue the important and necessary work,” Tartaglione said. “Union apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs make sense because they offer a promising career for young people and they graduate into available jobs and good wages.”
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by Christin Brown | June 3, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, June 3, 2014 – State Sen. Christine Tartaglione rallied inside the Capitol today with Raise the Wage PA to again urge legislative action on proposals to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage and deal with the paltry hourly rate established for workers who receive tips.
“Someone in the House or the Senate has proposed a bill to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage 13 times during this session,” Tartaglione said. “And, 13 times, Republican leaders and Gov. Tom Corbett have decided those bills will not be considered even in committee.
“As state after state acts to protect their hardworking, frontline employees, the people who could help Pennsylvania’s hourly employees thumb their nose at them instead,” she said.
“Republicans are blocking proposals to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage because they listen to fear mongering instead of learning what this country’s best economists overwhelmingly conclude about minimum wage increases. That clear message is minimum wage increases help way more than they hurt,” Tartaglione said to applause.
“Our own Department of Labor and Industry found that the last time Pennsylvania increased its minimum wage in 2007, the overall number of jobs ‘hit an all-time high’ and the increase ‘did not materially impact the overall health of Pennsylvania’s economy’,” the senator said.
Sen. Tartaglione has proposed four of the 13 bills to increase the minimum wage. Her current proposals, Senate Bill 1300 and Senate Bill 1099, would incrementally increase the commonwealth’s base hourly rate from $7.25 to $10.10 by 2016 and set the tipped minimum to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage, respectively.
Once enacted, SB 1300 would direct future increases be tied to inflation.
Today was Raise the Wage PA’s lobby day in Harrisburg. The rally was part of the advocacy group’s activities to convince state lawmakers that increasing the minimum wage needs to happen now.
Studies have shown that increasing Pennsylvania’s minimum wage would help more than one million residents.
“The ongoing Republican opposition to increasing the minimum wage and lifting hardworking men and women out of poverty makes no sense,” Tartaglione said. “It is incalcitrance, only, that is keeping this from happening in Pennsylvania. Gov. Corbett is the head incalcitrant here. Hopefully, he and leading members of the GOP will finally listen to us today and increase the minimum wage.”
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by Christin Brown | May 6, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, May 6, 2014 – With dozens of uniform-clad Salvation Army workers visiting the state Capitol, Sen. Christine Tartaglione reminded lawmakers that her bill to include their disaster-response vehicles under Pennsylvania’s list of approved emergency vehicles is awaiting consideration.
Senate Bill 1098 would allow Salvation Army workers to drive to disaster sites when access is restricted to emergency personnel and vehicles.
“This will allow the Salvation Army to arrive at incidents more quickly so they are able to keep individuals alive and safe until medical help arrives,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “Right now, Pennsylvania law prevents the Salvation Army from doing these things as emergency responders, which is hindering their impact and risking the lives of our loved ones. “
SB 1098 would give the Salvation Army the ability to legally use sirens and emergency lights when responding to an incident; something that is currently prohibited.
The Salvation Army has 35 mobile feeding units spread across Pennsylvania, which allows its emergency disaster services teams to annually respond to hundreds of incidents, like fires, hazmat, police, and EMS calls.
In the past year, the Salvation Army provided more than 2 million meals to Pennsylvanians in need, and it served more than 1.9 million people through its local community programs.
Additionally, the Salvation Army provides food assistance, emergency shelter, social services, senior citizen and youth programming, and emergency disaster services.
“For all the Salvation Army does – for its selflessness, generosity and compassion toward individuals in need in each of our communities – we owe this organization our gratitude,” Tartaglione said. “And, we owe this organization our full support and assistance in gaining additional funding and in becoming recognized as emergency vehicles under the Vehicle Code.”
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by Christin Brown | April 22, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, April 23, 2014 – A national public policy organization’s study of how the salaries of fast food industry executives continue to blow away the measly pay of their frontline workers has state Sen. Christine Tartaglione demanding once again that Pennsylvania Republicans act now to increase the commonwealth’s minimum wage.
Demos said today that the CEO-to-worker pay ratio in the fast food industry was a whopping 543-to-1 in 2012. Between 2000 and 2012 the overall average ratio was 332-to-1.
“As of today, according to Demos’ study, fast food executives make an average of $3,937 an hour while their cashiers, cooks and maintenance crews who work in Pennsylvania pocket a paltry $7.25 an hour,” Tartaglione said.
“This study is important because it goes to the heart of opponents’ arguments that a meager, incremental increase in the minimum wage to $10.10 an hour would somehow be unaffordable. Clearly, it would be very affordable in the fast food industry,” the senator said.
As Tartaglione underscored in Demos’ study, “Fast Food Failure,” income inequality like this could jeopardize Pennsylvania’s economy and the companies operating in the fast food industry.
“The most unequal sectors are among those providing the greatest numbers of new jobs in the economy, replacing jobs in sectors with lower income inequality,” Demos’ executive summary states. “Income inequality is increasing legal, regulatory, and operating risks for fast food firms. Millions of dollars in legal fees, increasing customer wait times, and labor unrest are evidence of the systemic problems of income inequality in fast food.”
Pennsylvania is one of the last Northeast states to adopt an increase in its minimum wage, but Sen. Tartaglione has proposed legislation to change that.
Her Senate Bill 1300 would incrementally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016. Her proposal to increase PA’s tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage, Senate Bill 1099, is also waiting for consideration.
Since proposing SB 1300 March 18, a new coalition, “Raise the Wage PA,” has formed; Connecticut increased its minimum to $10.10; AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka began to actively push for the nationwide adoption of the $10.10 hourly rate, and Maryland recently approved an increase in its minimum.
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by Christin Brown | April 8, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, April 8, 2014 – With another state voting overwhelmingly to increase its minimum wage, state Sen. Christine Tartaglione said today that Republicans and Gov. Tom Corbett are in danger of telling tens of thousands of hardworking Pennsylvanians they aren’t worth the same consideration.
Sen. Tartaglione said she is also pleased to see that the U.S. Senate approved a bill to restore extended benefits to the country’s long-time unemployed.
“Maryland has now joined New Jersey, New York, Ohio and Delaware as our neighbors who show they care about the people who must work minimum wage jobs. Pennsylvania’s continued inaction on this front becomes more pathetic by the vote,” Tartaglione said.
“Make no mistake about why this is not happening in the commonwealth. The only reason why Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is not moving up with every other state’s is Republican leadership and Gov. Tom Corbett,” she said.
Tartaglione introduced a new bill, Senate Bill 1300, last month to incrementally increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by 2016. Maryland voted yesterday to make its base hourly rate the same $10.10 by 2018. Her proposal to increase PA’s tipped minimum wage to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage, Senate Bill 1099, is also waiting for consideration.
“What is more outrageous,” Tartaglione said,” is there are other proposals before the General Assembly that Republican leaders and Gov. Corbett could consider. But they have proven by their silence that this is more about them and less about the people they represent.”
Since proposing SB 1300 March 18, a new coalition, “Raise the Wage PA,” has formed; Connecticut increased its minimum to $10.10; AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka began to actively push for the nationwide adoption of the $10.10 hourly rate, and now Maryland has approved an increase in its minimum.
In addition to the higher base hourly wage, Tartaglione’s SB 1300 would increase the fines and penalties for companies that violate the new law, provide for increased enforcement of the state’s minimum wage act, and it would allow municipalities that have a higher cost-of-living to consider a higher minimum wage.
Tartaglione also noted the U.S. Senate’s vote to extend federal jobless benefits through May 31.
“This bill faces an uncertain future in the U.S. House, but the Senate’s vote is a huge step forward for about 2 million workers who have been devastated by the recession and need this assistance to help them get back on their feet,” Sen. Tartaglione said.
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by Christin Brown | March 28, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, March 28, 2014 – With another Northeast state increasing its minimum wage and the largest labor union in the country taking action this week to support the effort, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today that Pennsylvania lawmakers should not stand in the way of the groundswell of support.
“Every day someone, somewhere, agrees with the argument that increasing the minimum wage is the right thing to do and poses little to no impact on the economy,” Tartaglione said. “Pennsylvanians are waiting for their state lawmakers to take notice and to also do the right thing.”
Since proposing Senate Bill 1300 on March 18 to hike the commonwealth’s base hourly wage from $7.25 an hour to $10.10 an hour by 2016 and tied to inflation, a new coalition has formed, “Raise the Wage PA,” Connecticut increased its minimum to $10.10, and AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka began to actively push for the nationwide adoption of the $10.10 an hour rate.
Trumka and minimum wage supporters rallied in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum on Thursday to continue pressuring state lawmakers and Gov. Tom Corbett.
Not only is a higher minimum wage good for workers, as Trumka said, it also delivers other positive impacts.
“It’s good for the community … the country … and good for everybody,” the AFL-CIO leader said at the rally.
Tartaglione attended the rally and agreed with Trumka.
“People who bad-mouth increases in the minimum wage just don’t understand what it is like to work more than half of their waking hours for what amounts to peanuts,” Tartaglione said. “Unfortunately, most minimum wage workers in Pennsylvania cannot even afford to buy peanuts.”
In addition to the higher minimum wage, Tartaglione’s SB 1300 would increase the fines and penalties for companies that violate the new law, provide for increased enforcement of the state’s minimum wage act, and it would allow municipalities that have a higher cost-of-living to consider a higher minimum wage.
Tartaglione is also pushing for legislative consideration of SB 1099, which would increased the state’s tipped minimum from $2.83 an hour to 70 percent of the regular minimum.
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by Christin Brown | March 18, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, March 18, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today she will replace her proposal to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum wage to $ 9 an hour with a new bill that would increase it to $10.10 by 2016.
Minimum wage increases under Senate Bill 1300 would be tied to inflation once the base hourly rate hits $10.10.
“A rising tide lifts all boats,” Sen. Tartaglione said during a rally to increase the minimum wage with “Raise the Wage PA.” “Pennsylvania’s hardworking women and men must have a fairer shake when it comes to paydays. They are drowning today with the paltry $7.25 they make each hour.
“To the critics who say an increase in the minimum wage will hurt the economy: you are wrong. Studies and history show that increases in the minimum have very little to no negative impact on the economy,” she said.
Citing a University of California-Berkeley study released last week, Sen. Tartaglione said the evidence in that review shows increases in the base hourly rate might mean small rises in the prices of products but it also sparks higher worker productivity and a more positive impact on businesses.
While other state lawmakers have proposed bills to provide a higher minimum, Tartaglione said she believes an incremental increase to $10.10 an hour is the more reasonable compromise. However, the senator’s new proposal would allow municipalities that have a higher cost-of-living to consider a higher minimum wage.
“We must act now to make sure people who are working 60-to-80-hour weeks and crazy hours are still not stuck in poverty once they are paid,” Tartaglione said. “And, once this becomes law, we must make sure minimum wage workers are covered if inflation affects their buying power.”
“Increasing the minimum wage benefits everyone,” she said.
In addition to the higher minimum wage, Tartaglione said SB 1300 would increase the fines and penalties for companies that violate the new law, once adopted. It would also provide for increased enforcement of the state’s minimum wage act.
The Philadelphia Democrat had proposed a legislative package to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum from $7.25 to $9/hour (SB 858) and the tipped minimum from $2.83/hour to 70 percent of the regular minimum. While her latest proposal would increase the minimum wage even further, she said she continues to support raising the tipped wage to 70 percent of the minimum.
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by Christin Brown | March 17, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, March 17, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today she plans to unveil a new version of her proposal that would increase the minimum wage for Pennsylvania’s working poor.
Tartaglione’s announcement will come at 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, during a press conference in the Capitol Media Center with “Raise the Wage PA,” a statewide group fighting to realize a higher hourly base rate for workers.
The Philadelphia Democrat has already proposed legislation to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum from $7.25 to $9/hour (SB 858) and the tipped minimum from $2.83/hour to 70 percent of the regular minimum.
Media coverage is encouraged.
WHAT: Sen. Christine Tartaglione to unveil new minimum wage legislation
WHEN: 3 p.m., Tuesday, March 18
WHERE: Capitol Media Center, Harrisburg
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by Christin Brown | March 13, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, March 13, 2014 – Pennsylvanians and families with relatives who have autism spectrum disorder should act now to apply for mini-grants of up to $500, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today.
The deadline for applications is March 31.
“These special grants are designed to help families and individuals who are unable to receive various support systems due to eligibility criteria, age or long waiting lists,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “What is nice about this program is the money does not have to be re-paid.”
The Department of Public Welfare’s Bureau of Autism Services is making the mini-grants available and will award them between May 1 and June 30.
To qualify, an applicant must meet all of the following requirements:
- A Pennsylvania resident,
- Diagnosed with or have a family member diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, and
- Not receiving or enrolled in any family support services for the past 12 months.
For more details and the link to the application, click here or call Sen. Tartaglione’s office at 215-533-0440.
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by Christin Brown | March 12, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, March 12, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said she is supporting a proposal that would save Pennsylvania taxpayers billions of dollars and solve the state’s pension problems.
The proposal, introduced by members of the Philadelphia lawmaker’s Senate Democratic Caucus, would refinance $9 billion of the $50 billion in unfunded liabilities now owned by the State Employees’ Retirement System and the Public School Employees’ Retirement System, further reform state pension laws to stop charter schools from receiving double-dip state reimbursements, and lower the collars on state and school district payments to provide short-term budget relief.
“This is a bold proposal that promises to immediately take the pressure off the state’s pension systems,” Tartaglione said. “I am supporting it because it avoids the expensive court challenges other proposals will bring, and it reassures thousands of state workers, educators, and retirees that they will not be affected by attempts to change participation rules.”
Sen. Tartaglione said she is also encouraged by the proposal because it builds on Act 120, which implemented significant pension reforms in 2010, including the delivery of $3 billion in savings for the commonwealth and school districts.
Act 120 reforms capped collars for current employees; reduced the collar, or multiplier, for new employees from 2.5 percent to 2.0 percent; returned the vesting period from 5 years to 10; eliminated lump-sum withdrawals by employees at retirement; and established “shared risk” rules for new employees.
“With the proposal being put forth today by Senate Democrats, school district pension payments would decrease by $600 million over the next five years, including by $75 million in 2014-’15,” Tartaglione said. “Also, the commonwealth’s combined SERS and PSERS payments would drop by $1.2 billion over the same time period, including by $120 million in the coming budget year.”
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by Christin Brown | February 4, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 4, 2014 – Despite his claims to the contrary, Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed $29.4 billion budget for the 2014-’15 fiscal year continues to slight Pennsylvania’s workers, state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione said today following his annual budget address.
“Corbett talked about ‘Pennsylvania’s comeback’ but that cute campaign slogan flies in the face of the reality of how this Pennsylvania economy continues to kick workers in the stomach,” Tartaglione said.
“The governor’s budget wish list is for a state in an alternate universe. He has failed to implement policies that create jobs in Philadelphia and across the commonwealth. His continued reluctance to demand an increase in the minimum wage continues to hurt citizens who have to work two or more minimum wage jobs to make ends meet,” she said.
Tartaglione said Corbett’s insistence that Pennsylvania has replaced nearly all of the jobs lost during the first three years of his administration is also a farce.
“Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate is 6.9 percent because people who have been trying to find employment have stopped looking out of sheer frustration, not because they have found suitable replacement jobs,” the senator said.
“He said he is seeing Philadelphia as a stronger place. How would he know? He was afraid to come to the city, according to the most recent news reports.
“There simply is not a big enough coat to hide the problems of Pennsylvania that have ballooned since Gov. Corbett took office. From job loss, failure to address health care, fiscal health, education, social safety net issues and the minimum wage the problems have spiraled,” Tartaglione said.
Sen. Tartaglione has proposed two bills to increase Pennsylvania’s minimum and tipped-minimum wages. SB 858 would hike the minimum from $7.25/hour to at least $9/hour, while SB 1099 would hike the base wage for waiters, waitresses and others to 70 percent of the minimum wage rate. Future hourly wage increases would be tied to the Consumer Price Index.
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by Christin Brown | January 30, 2014 | News Releases
Philadelphia, Jan. 30, 2014 – Senate Democrats gathered in seven communities across Pennsylvania today to challenge Gov. Tom Corbett to produce a spending plan that is aligned with the needs of Pennsylvanians.
Sen. Christine Tartaglione joined Philadelphia senators here to highlight the negative impact of previous Corbett budgets and describe why the upcoming budget is so important.
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“Pennsylvania’s state budget is an identification of priorities and a strategy for investment,” Sen. Tartaglione said. “We can do better than what Gov. Corbett and his administration have provided.
Tartaglione and Senate Democrats said their budget priorities reflect needs shared by all Pennsylvanians, including job creation, expansion of health care through Medicaid, increasing the minimum wage, repairing the social safety net and restoring education funds.
“Under Gov. Corbett’s leadership, Pennsylvania has fallen to the bottom in job creation and government efficiency, and we must do a better job of identifying policy priorities,” she said. “Senate Democrats have concrete plans to move the state forward and our payment method does not involve a broad-based tax increase.”
Senate Democrats said they will push for the following in this budget:
- Creating jobs by funding targeted water and sewer rehabilitation projects, strengthening school-to-work programs and expanding community economic zones throughout the state;
- Investing in education with a $300 million boost, bolstering funds for early education and committing to a long-term financing plan that restores funding;
- Increasing the state’s minimum wage to at least $9 per hour, indexing the wage to inflation and raising the tipped minimum wage;
- Expanding Medicaid and extending health care to 500,000 Pennsylvania families while generating budget savings of $400 million; and
- Repairing holes in the social safety net by using $85 million in Medicaid budget savings for human services programming such as drug, alcohol and mental health.
Sen. Tartaglione said her priorities for the new budget are for the state to restore education funding and for the governor to finally take the lead on raising the minimum wage.
“Pennsylvania’s minimum wage is currently $7.25/hour,” she said. “That isn’t enough for a person living in this state to pay rent, buy a car or purchase groceries for themselves, much less a family. My legislation will raise the minimum wage incrementally to $9.00/hour by 2015, after which it would automatically increase every year with inflation.”
Without an adequate base wage that is competitive with neighboring states, Tartaglione said educational initiatives, if the governor proposes any, would be moot.
“All the education and career preparation in the world won’t help present and future generations if we don’t ensure access to quality jobs and quality income when they graduate,” the senator said. “Right now, we have too many minimum wage jobs and too many educated, over-qualified, minimum wage workers.
“We need to ensure individuals working full-time jobs are able to support themselves and their family members,” she said.
Senate Democrats said they will provide immediate reaction to the governor’s budget address following his scheduled speech to the General Assembly Feb. 4.
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by Christin Brown | January 29, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 29, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today applauded President Barack Obama for his decision to use his executive powers to increase the minimum wage to $10.10/hour for new federal contract workers.
She urged Pennsylvania’s legislature and Gov. Tom Corbett to similarly act to raise the state’s base hourly rate, as well as the tipped hourly minimum.
“We need decisive leadership on the minimum wage. It is why I have been working non-stop to raise the base hourly rate in Pennsylvania to a level that lifts our hard-working men and women out of poverty and into a more self-sustaining quality of life,” Tartaglione said.
“The president’s decision to lift the minimum for new federal contract workers is great news and his actions must be replicated now. Other states, including our neighboring Ohio, New York and New Jersey, have already increased their minimum wage rates for 2014.
“Better yet, New Jersey and Ohio have tied future increases to the rise or fall of the Consumer Price Index, which removes the political opposition to this most basic of social safety net provisions,” she said.
Tartaglione’s Senate Bill 858 would raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25/hour to $9/hour by 2015.
“Unfortunately, my bill has been before lawmakers for too long and I think it should be amended to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum to at least $10 an hour,” the senator said today. “I also believe future minimum wage increases should be tied to the Consumer Price Index.”
Tartaglione has also crafted legislation, Senate Bill 1099, to increase the minimum hourly rate for tipped employees to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage. The tipped minimum has been stuck at $2.83/hour since 1999.
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by Christin Brown | January 23, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 23, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today urged schools in the 2nd Senatorial District to apply for a grant to participate in the most complete Presidential Youth Fitness Program and help their students improve their fitness and wellness.
Applications are due by Jan. 31.
“The free version of the Presidential Youth Fitness Program will help many schools teach the importance of taking care of the body and the mind, but if districts are able to participate in the full fitness curriculum, the results will be dramatic,” Tartaglione said.
Schools awarded grants will enable participation in the program for the 2014-’15 school year plus the following two years.
Only six states require physical education in every grade and only 20 percent of districts require daily recess.
The program believes that active kids get better grades, miss fewer days of school, are better behaved, and have better self images.
To learn more about the program, visit www.pyfp.org.
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by Christin Brown | January 17, 2014 | News Releases
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 17, 2014 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today urged Gov. Tom Corbett and his Department of State to heed the Commonwealth Court ruling striking down Pennsylvania’s bad voter ID law.
The law had required all voters to produce approved photo identification prior to casting their votes in election.
“From the beginning, the Corbett administration’s voter ID push was a farce. It found its way into Pennsylvania’s law books because it was a one-sided, misguided attempt to control election outcome in the name of preventing fraud.
“Judge McGinley’s statement that ‘The right to vote … is irreplaceable, necessitating its protection before any deprivation occurs’ is spot on and should be a clarion call to this administration that this farce needs to end now.
“The petitioners did a great job proving there is very little fraud in Philadelphia and throughout the state.
“Millions of dollars have already been wasted in trying to convince judges that Pennsylvania’s voter ID law somehow fits in with the state and U.S. constitutions. Gov. Corbett need not waste any more taxpayer dollars defending this edict before the state Supreme Court.
“Let us return elections to the generations of registered Pennsylvania voters who have gone to the polls with only their signatures. It is what we expect. It is what should be.”
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by Christin Brown | January 14, 2014 | News Releases
HARRISBURG, Jan. 14, 2014 – Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione today said groups interested in continuing the greening of Philadelphia should apply now for a share of the state’s recreation and conservation grants.
The 2014 awards will be made by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“Many Philadelphians are watching – and enjoying – the city’s transformation into a hiker’s destination as miles and miles of trails twist through the region,” Tartaglione said. “Let’s keep this progress going. Every step we take, every improvement realized adds to a better quality of life.”
This year’s grant applicants are encouraged to work on projects that advance local conservation and recreation and complement the state’s outdoor recreation plan.
Sustainable green park projects, park and recreation rehabilitation and universal access, trails, land conservation, emerging trends (those that connect youth to nature with natural play areas, for example), river conservation, and partnerships designed to promote outdoor recreation and conservation are some of the strategic areas eligible for grants.
The deadline for applications is April 16.
DCNR awarded grants last year to Philadelphia County (under the County Recycling Coordinator Grant Program), $71,300; City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County (under the PA Small Business and Household Pollution Prevention Grant Program), $100,000; City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County (Under the Recycling Performance Grant Program), $1.65 million; and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, Philadelphia County, $67,000.
For more information on upcoming grant workshops, visit DCNR. Details about Pennsylvania’s Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which is required to be renewed every five years so the commonwealth can continue to receive federal land and water conservation funding, are available here.
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